BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Thousands of people flocked to Canalside and the Outer Harbor Saturday night to wish America a happy birthday.

The more than 3,400 firework shells that lit up the sky over the Buffalo river were provided by Russell Salvatore, who also arranged a patriotic soundtrack to accompany them.

James and Heather Sotille. Married July 4th, 2015!

Independence Day festivities at Canalside kicked off at 10 Saturday morning with the Artisan Market.

Throughout the day, there were water activities, face painting, live music and several food trucks.

News 4 even met a newlywed couple who stopped by Canalside for some photos after tying the knot.

When the sun went down, the crowd honored what the day is really about, independence, with taps and an official unfolding of the flag.

The man of the hour, Russell Salvatore, said a few words about why helping Buffalo celebrate the Fourth, was so important to him.

“I feel so honored to be here, I love this city, and I want to thank Canalside for the beautiful event that they put together tonight and for allowing me to be part of it. You know, I’m an old soul and I’ve always liked Fourth of July, it makes me feel young,” Salvatore said.

President of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. Tom Dee, said the day’s celebration were yet another example of how the city is on the move.

“Gov. Cuomo said the waterfront is the key to Western New York’s success and boy was he right. Canalside and the Outer Harbor are the places to be,” Dee said.

It’s estimated that 20,000 people showed up to celebrate at the cit’y waterfont. Event organizers said this is the largest crowd the new Canalside has seen,

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